White Rock (Taconic Mountains) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Rock |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,550 ft (780 m) |
| Parent peak | 42° 43' 29"N, 73° 16' 34"W |
| Geography | |
| Location | Williamstown, Massachusetts, Pownal, Vermont, and Petersburgh, New York |
| Parent range | Taconic Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Ordovician |
| Mountain type | Thrust fault; metamorphic rock and sedimentary rock |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Taconic Crest Trail |
White Rock is a cool spot in the Taconic Mountains. It's the highest point on a long, narrow mountain ridge that stretches about 7 miles (11 km). This ridge crosses three states: New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. You can find it near the towns of Petersburgh, Williamstown, and Pownal.
The White Rock ridge has several smaller peaks, sometimes called "knobs." From south to north, these include White Rocks (2,365 feet or 721 m), Smith Hill (2,330 feet or 710 m), White Rock itself (the highest at 2,550 feet or 777 m), and Bald Mountain (2,485 feet or 757 m). A really interesting spot on the ridge is The Snow Hole. It's a deep crack in the ground where snow can stay frozen even in the middle of summer!
Where is White Rock Located?
The top of White Rock and its western side are in New York. The eastern side is in Vermont. A small part, about 2 miles (3 km) in the southeast, is in Massachusetts.
The very top of the ridge has open grassy areas and also parts covered with trees. You'll see red spruce and balsam fir trees, along with other trees common in northern forests. From the ridge, you get amazing views of the Hoosic River valley and the Hudson River Valley.
Hiking and Trails
A popular hiking path called the Taconic Crest Trail goes right over White Rock. This trail is about 35 miles (56 km) long! Some parts of the White Rock ridge are protected land, which means they are kept natural. However, many parts are still privately owned.
The Taconic Mountains don't stop at White Rock. They continue north across the Hoosic River valley to Mount Anthony. To the south, past Petersburgh Pass, they continue as Mount Raimer. East of White Rock, across the Hoosic River Valley, you can see the Green Mountains.
Water Flow and Rivers
Water from the west side of the White Rock ridge flows into the Little Hoosic River. This river then joins the Hoosic River, which flows into the Hudson River, and finally reaches Long Island Sound. Water from the east side of the ridge also flows into the Hoosic River.
Petersburg Pass is a mountain pass located on New York Route 2 and Massachusetts Route 2. It crosses the gap between the southernmost part of the ridge, White Rocks, and Mount Raimer. This pass is at an elevation of about 1,650 feet (503 m).
